Sharks 12-13 Connacht
Connacht proved once again they are a team to be reckoned with after they beat the Sharks on Saturday evening in Durban, winning by a single point.
Although the Sharks have now lost each of their games so far this season, Durban will no doubt be a tough place for most URC teams to visit.
And Connacht got off to a dream start with an early try courtesy of Oisin Dowling with a brilliant 50/22 hit a couple of minutes prior.
Connacht did concede a try but were let off by a missed conversion and scored a penalty before the half to lead 10-5 at the break.
But the visitors soon trailed 12-10 after Dowling got a yellow card and the hosts scored a converted try of their own.
Sharks would have a crucial penalty miss later all while Connacht scored one final penalty which was enough for victory.
Full time! Sharks 12-13 Connacht
A first Connacht victory on South African soil and they do it here in Durban. That was a real grind and relied on a couple of missed kicks. Huge win for Connacht. The Sharks have had a miserable start to the season but Durban will be a tough place to go this year
Sharks 12-13 Connacht
Connacht go forward then lose the ball the Sharks then come forward and Connacht are scrambling. With two minutes to play the Sharks have a line out
Sharks 12-13 Connacht
As he hit the 73 minute mark the Sharks win a penalty but it's kicked wide and Connacht live to fight another day
Sharks 12-13 Connacht
Connacht win a penalty now have a long-range penalty to take the lead. And it's made and Connacht are back in the lead
Sharks 12-10 Connacht
Connacht will be happy they didn't concede any more in that spell as they return to 15 men.
TRY! Sharks 12-10 Connacht
Down to 14 men and the Sharks waste no time. Tiernan O'Halloran gives up thinking it's a knock on but referee says try is good
Sharks 5-10 Connacht
Sharks look like they are over the line and celebrating and it will have to be checked. On-field decision is no try. Nothing to suggest it has been grounded but there is a yellow card for Oisin Dowling
Half time! Sharks 5-10 Connacht
Sharks try to attack once more as the horn goes to indicate 40 minutes and they'd love a score before the half. The pass is nearly good for a try but Connacht manage to get their hands on the ball and lead by five
TRY! Sharks 5-7 Connacht
That was coming. The Sharks piled on the pressure and then eventually get over the line. There are some afters here. The kick after is missed
Sharks 0-7 Connacht
A monster defensive effort here from Connacht and they win a couple of huge turnovers as we hit the 25 minute mark
Sharks 0-7 Connacht
It has been all Sharks since the try and were very close to scoring a try but fall just short. Connacht nearly intercept the ball but it is knocked on
Sharks 0-7 Connacht
Connacht hit a lovely 50/22 and then pile on the pressure and get in for the try. It's Oisin Dowling who gets the try
Hello and welcome
Hello and welcome to LIVE coverage as Connacht take on Sharks in the URC.
It has been a disastrous start to the season for the South African side as they have lost each of their opening games.
Kick-Off for the game is set for 3 pm and will be aired live on RTE Two and streamed on the RTE Player.
We will also have live updates of the game right here
Connacht Team: Denis Buckley, Tadhg McElroy, Finlay Bealham, Oisin Dowling, Joe Joyce, Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver (c), Sean O'Brien, Colm Reilly, JJ Hanrahan, Andrew Smith, Cathal Forde, Tom Farrell, Byron Ralston, Tiernan O'Halloran
Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Peter Dooley, Dominic Robertson McCoy, Darragh Murphy, Shamus Hurley-Lnagton, Caolin Blade, David Hawkshaw, John Porch
